Surgical Technologist, Surgery

Required Skills

1. Performs duties in capacity of “scrub” technologist as prescribed by hospital policies and procedures.

• Sets room for routine, uncomplicated, or multi-procedure cases with supplies and equipment.
• Assists circulator in checking equipment.
• Assists circulator in obtaining supplies prior to bringing patient to room.
• Has basic knowledge of instrumentation and its appropriate use.
• Checks instrumentation regarding cleanliness, function, correct number of pieces, and completeness of tray.
• Has basic knowledge of surgical procedures.
• Organizes and maintains a neat, clean mayo, instrument, and back tables.
• Attempts reasonable anticipation of sequence of instrumentation.
• Properly identifies and labels medication.
• Keeps track of sponges, needles, and instruments during procedure at all times.
• Relays accurate identification of specimens and cultures.
• Organizes and assists in end-of-case clean up.
• Separates sharp and delicate instruments during clean up.
• Assists in pulling cases.
• If trained to do so, perform skin closure per hospital policy with the appropriate suture materials and suturing techniques.

1. Assists in maintenance of safe environment for patients and staff.

• Has knowledge and applies principles of good aseptic practice (i.e., appropriate scrub length, OR attire, proper gowning, gloving, and draping methods).
• Checks sterile supplies for proper packaging and dating.
• Actively assists in recognizing and reporting breaks in sterile technique.
• Requests assistance of Central Sterile personnel in preparation of instruments for immediate reuse.
• Follows protocol for universal blood- and body-fluid precautions at all times.
• Prevents loss of instruments by thorough search of drapes before they are discarded.

• Assists in the orderly function of the OR.
• Demonstrates flexibility in a team effort (i.e., takes required supplies from circulator when offered).
• Checks room for and put away excess supplies and equipment.
• Takes initiative and seeks appropriate opportunities to update and maintain surgical skills (i.e., requests certain cases and attends inservices).
• Assists in checking to-follow cases for completeness and accuracy.
• Assists in orientation of new personnel.
• Actively participates in checking and maintaining assignment by participating as a permanent team member.
• Participates in updating surgeon’s preference list.
• Reports to assigned room on time.
• Understands and follows disaster plan.

1. Follows hospital/unit policies, procedures, and behavioral expectations.

• Uses designated lines of communication and authority.
• Willingly assists co-workers to facilitate patient care.
• Maintains current CPR certification (CPR education and exam mandatory in the presence of physical limitation impeding CPR certification. Required demonstration of skills to optimal level of ability).
• Attends or participates in mandatory inservices.

1. Performs other related work as required or requested.